The veteran cop decided to bring him along one more time and “in that last pull he came with,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz was able to drag the man with him, taking refuge between two tracks just before the train arrived.

The man was taken to a medical center to be evaluated. After he was medically cleared and sent to be processed and charged, Ortiz saw him again and this time his reaction was different. He shook the cop’s hand, apologized and thanked him for saving his life, Ortiz said.

NJ Transit said in a statement: “Ortiz, without regard for his own safety, was determined to save the individual’s life even as the man struggled against the officer’s efforts to pull him out of harm’s way.”

His “selfless and heroic actions demonstrated a level of bravery and a true sense of compassion and purpose that often goes unrecognized but is ever present in our law enforcement community,” the statement continued. “NJ TRANSIT could not be more proud of Victor Ortiz and of the New Jersey Transit Police Department and we hope this serves as a stark reminder of what these men and women do every single day to keep us safe throughout this state.”

Ortiz, a married man and father of a 13-year-old daughter, has been a NJ Transit cop for 16 years. He said he takes great pride in his work and credits his instincts for taking over. He said his actions are also a testament to the NJ Transit Police training.

“It’s a scenario where something had to be done,” he told ABC News, adding that he would do it again. “It is my duty to act upon what’s in front of me.”

“We’re here to protect and serve,” Ortiz said. “Had I not done that and just stood there and watched it all happen, what kind of police officer would I be?”

NJ Transit police said the man, Alan Jefferson, 56, was charged with one count of aggravated assault on a police officer, two counts of resisting arrest, one count of interference with transportation and one count of disorderly conduct. He was remanded to the Hudson County jail and is expected to appear in court later today.

A Hudson County court official said it was unclear if he has an attorney.